Dakhla: In an interview with MAP on the eve of the Morocco-France Economic Forum to be held in Dakhla, Lecourtier highlighted the enormous economic potential of these provinces, thanks to their assets, particularly in terms of renewable energy, and their geographical position, which makes them ideal for establishing themselves as a real hub in the Sahel and West Africa region.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the French diplomat emphasized Morocco’s southern provinces as a new frontier for France’s multidimensional cooperation with the Kingdom. This cooperation is evidenced by the opening of new French schools, a future cultural center, a visa application center, and the expansion of the French Development Agency (AFD) to include these regions.
In this regard, Lecourtier remarked that the holding of a Morocco-France Economic Forum in Dakhla, at the initiative of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and MEDEF International, through the France-Morocco Business Leaders Club, in the
presence of a gathering of businessmen and women from both countries, sends a ‘very clear’ message that this event, which traditionally took place in Rabat or Casablanca, can also be held in Dakhla.
During this forum, themed ‘Morocco’s Southern Regions: Towards New Prospects to Develop the Morocco-France Economic Partnership,’ discussions will revolve around the opportunities provided by Dakhla and the surrounding regions. Lecourtier underscored the significance of these opportunities within the larger framework of the Kingdom’s development, emphasizing the role of France as a key partner.
The ambassador also pointed out Morocco’s involvement in the value chains of several industries vital to France, particularly the automotive and aerospace sectors. He observed that the Kingdom’s development of French industry has resulted in a growing share of added value within the country. ‘Our competitiveness is now linked,’ he said.
He further noted that trade between Morocco and France is balanced, focusing on creat
ing value within Morocco for both the local market and re-exporting to Europe. The aim is to expand cooperation between companies on both sides of the Mediterranean, not only in trade but also in setting up operations and transferring know-how for co-located development.
Lecourtier mentioned that approximately 1,000 French companies now have subsidiaries in Morocco. He suggested that French SMEs, which sometimes struggle to expand in European markets, could benefit from establishing themselves in Morocco, given the country’s rapid development and its strategic position towards sub-Saharan Africa.
Given that more than two-thirds of economic, commercial, and human exchanges occur between Morocco and Europe, Lecourtier advocated for a ‘more advanced’ partnership, stressing that all partners, especially Morocco, can reap the benefits.